Los Angeles in November: What to Expect

Los Angeles in November is a good call on almost every front. The summer heat has eased, the weather is genuinely comfortable, and the city's year-round outdoor culture continues without the intensity of the peak season. The main variable is Thanksgiving, which affects prices and crowds in a way worth planning around.

Weather

Daytime temperatures sit between 17°C and 22°C, with low humidity and plenty of sunshine. Evenings cool to around 10°C to 12°C, requiring a light jacket. November is one of the clearest months in LA: the marine layer that blurs summer mornings is less prevalent, and views from Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Hills are some of the best of the year. Outdoor dining, beach walks, and hiking are all comfortable.

Crowds and Prices

Early and mid-November are solid value. Hotel rates across West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Silver Lake drop from summer peaks, and the main tourist sites, including Universal Studios and the Getty Center, are more manageable. The beach areas are cooler but still pleasant for walking.

Thanksgiving week changes the equation significantly. LAX is one of the busiest airports in the US over the Thanksgiving period, and hotel prices in the city spike. If your trip overlaps with Thanksgiving, book well in advance and expect higher prices.

What's On

The Dia de los Muertos celebrations in early November are a highlight, particularly in East LA and at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where the annual festival draws large crowds and is one of the city's most culturally significant events.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade equivalent in LA is the Hollywood Christmas Parade, which typically takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving along Hollywood Boulevard, drawing large crowds.

One Thing to Watch

The Santa Ana winds typically arrive in autumn and can produce warm, dry, gusty conditions across Southern California in October and November. These are the conditions associated with elevated wildfire risk in surrounding areas. While the city itself is rarely directly affected, air quality can deteriorate and some hiking areas may temporarily close. Check local conditions during your visit.